[P]olice in Ulverston are urging motorists to be patient during the upcoming Ulverston Lantern Procession, which will be held on Saturday 16th September 2017.
The annual event, which will take place from approximately 7.45pm until 10pm, consists of four smaller separate pedestrian processions that set off from different locations around Ulverston before meeting at County Square where the enlarged procession around the town. The individual parades will break off at different locations prior to a firework display over the town centre.
A road closure order for the town will be in place between 7.00pm and 10.00pm. Organisers are giving motorists advanced notice of these closures and the likelihood of delays on the A590 through Ulverston. Motorists are urged to take extra care due to increased numbers of pedestrians around the town and on the A590 and roads approaching Ulverston. Buxton Place car park will also be closed for the whole of Saturday to enable it to be used as an entertainment area in the evening.
Sergeant Rupert Johnston said: “There will be a road closure in place for the entire centre of Ulverston between 7pm and 10pm on the 16th September so that the community can enjoy this annual celebration safely. It should be noted that this year’s parade will not finish in Ford Park as the park will be used for parking, with access from the A590 via Swan Street.
“To avoid delays and diversions, we would ask motorists to avoid driving into the area or attempting to leave the town during these times.
“There will be large numbers of people walking around the town and their safety is paramount. I hope that residents will be patient and cooperate with the temporary closure and make alternative arrangements in advance because the road closure will only be lifted for emergency service vehicles. The roads can only be reopened when they are clear of participants and spectators.”
Chris Nelson of the organising committee said: “I would ask for people to park considerately, especially along the parade route. There are a number of large lanterns that may struggle to negotiate junctions if cars are parked too close so please bear this in mind.
“Your motor insurance may not be valid if you flout the road closure notices and cause an accident to others. Please help us keep our festival-goers safe and the processions flowing smoothly.”
